How to Calculate Concrete in Yards and Convert to Cubic Yards

Concrete is often measured in cubic yards (yd³) when ordering from suppliers, especially in the U.S. construction industry. This unit makes it easier to estimate and purchase ready-mix concrete since plants batch and deliver in yard-based quantities. Understanding how to calculate and convert your measurements to cubic yards helps avoid costly overorders or shortages.

A cubic yard represents a cube that measures 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet. Since most concrete projects are large (driveways, slabs, foundations), measuring in smaller units like cubic feet quickly becomes impractical. Using cubic yards provides a manageable and standardized way to communicate with ready-mix suppliers.

The Concrete Yard Calculator simplifies the process by allowing you to input dimensions of your structure — length, width, and thickness — in feet and inches. Once you click the “Calculate” button, it instantly converts those measurements into total cubic feet and then divides by 27 to display the concrete volume in cubic yards.

You can convert manually using this simple formula:

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27

The number 27 comes from the conversion factor between cubic feet and cubic yards (since 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³). Therefore, dividing your total volume in cubic feet by 27 gives you the concrete volume in cubic yards.

• Always convert inches to feet before calculation (1 in = 0.0833 ft).
• Measure in consistent units (don’t mix metric and imperial).
• Add 5–10% extra to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, and waste.
• Round up your yardage slightly to avoid running short during pouring.

• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
• 1 cubic meter = 1.308 cubic yards
• 1 cubic yard ≈ 202 gallons

Manual calculations can be tedious and error-prone. The online Concrete Yard Calculator performs all conversions automatically, provides instant results, and ensures you can place precise concrete orders without overestimating or underestimating your needs. It’s especially useful for slabs, columns, driveways, and patios where uniform depth and dimensions apply.

In short, knowing how to calculate and convert concrete into cubic yards saves both money and time. Use the calculator above for instant results and always verify your inputs to ensure accurate and reliable concrete estimates.